Other Happenings:

Staying Active 

Unstructured physical activity improves a child’s mental and physical health. Playing outside can especially help improve sleep, mood, and social skills. Here are some fun outdoor activities you can try to help your family stay active and healthy! 

Play Outside Day

Planting Season

Planting continues around Illinois with help from still more clear and dry days. According to USDA data, 40 percent of the state's corn was planted by April 30.

WAND Article

CPR

Did you know about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes? If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. You can be the difference for your parent, spouse, or child by learning hands-only CPR. #CPRWeek 

Read more from the American Heart Association

How to Pay for College

Learn about the different ways to fund a college education along with various types of scholarships, grants, and loans that are available to Illinois families.

Preventing Elder Abuse

We can all play a part in preventing elder abuse in our communities. Here are 5 things everyone can do to prevent elder abuse this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. #WEAAD

Kids and teens across Illinois can get free meals all summer long. Find a site near you by calling 800-359-2163, texting FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 or visiting the USDA's Summer Meals Site Finder tool: http://summerfeedingillinois.org/?page_id=325

Juneteenth Celebration

Happy Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, Union troops finally freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. June 19 came to be known as Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and is recognized today as a national celebration of African American resilience and achievement. Happy Juneteenth! 

First Day of Summer

Wishing all the residents of the Vibrant 79th District a radiant season of summer! May your days be filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable moments of joy. Don’t forget to embrace the warmth and excitement that this new chapter brings and make the most of every adventure that awaits you!

This Month We Honored:

• Cancer Survivor Day
  • Happy Cancer Survivors Day to these amazing individuals, their families, and the healthcare teams who have helped them through their cancer battle.
• D-Day
  
  • Remembering D-Day and the tremendous courage of those who served in World War II to preserve freedom and liberty across the earth.
• National Running Day
  • The 79th District has phenomenal running trails for you to take advantage of and races you can sign up for to combine a great way to exercise with a good cause.
• Corn on the Cob Day
  • Celebrating Illinois’ official state vegetable, Sweet Corn, today for National Corn on the Cob Day! How do you like your corn on the cob?
• Happy Flag Day
  • 246 years ago, Old Glory was adopted as the official flag of our great nation. Since its adoption, the American flag has proudly served as a symbol of freedom around the world.
    
• Happy Birthday U.S. Army
  • Saying thank you to the generations of U.S. Army service members for defending all that we hold dear and bravely serving our country.
  • 
• Men's Health Week
  • Men’s Health Week is a global initiative to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage men and boys to live healthier lives. Here are a few simple tips to improving your health:
  • Eat a healthy diet with more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and healthy fats.
  • Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.
  • Limit your alcohol intake.
  • Don’t skip your yearly physical exam with your doctor.
  • Find more tips for healthy living at https://connect.bcbsil.com/.../posts/men-healthy-aging

• PTSD Awareness Month
  • After a traumatic event, it’s normal to think, act, and feel differently than usual—but most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. Talk to a doctor or mental health care provider if your symptoms:
  • Last longer than a few months
  • Are very upsetting
  • Disrupt your daily life
  • “Getting better” means different things for different people but there are many different treatment options for PTSD. Learn more about PTSD treatment at VA.gov.

• Father's Day
  • Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! (Especially to my husband and great dad, Bill!)

• National American Eagle Day honors our national symbol, raising awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle.

• Waste and Recycling Workers Week
  • Thank you to the waste and recycling workers who keep our communities clean, happy, and healthy places to call home! Don’t forget to thank your neighborhood waste and recycling workers this week

• International Women in Engineering Day
  • International Women in Engineering Day features the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering, those women who #makesafetyseen and are helping to build towards a brighter future.
  • https://www.inwed.org.uk/